Display device with variable color background for evaluating displayed value

ABSTRACT

A method for automatically evaluating the displayed value comprises the steps of receiving data for display, exhibiting a display indication of the data on a light emitting diode display area substantially surrounded by a variable color background area, comparing the value of the data with a limit, and controlling color of the background area in accordance with the result of the comparison. A display device for automatically evaluating the displayed value includes a light emitting diode display area substantially surrounded by a variable color background area and a device for receiving data for display and for exhibiting them on the display area. A comparator compares the value of the data with a limit and accordingly develops a comparison signal which is used to control the color of the background area to automatically indicate the significance of the displayed data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of my application Ser. No. 09/136,110, filed on Aug. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,014 entitled “Variable Color Display Device Having Display Area and Background Area”, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 08/721,719, filed on Sep. 27, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,185 entitled “Display Device with Variable Color Background Area”.

This is a division of my application Ser. No. 08/422,090, filed on Mar. 31, 1995, entitled “Digital Color Display System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,365 issued on Oct. 1, 1996, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 08/099,411, filed on Jul. 30, 1993, entitled “Method of Measuring and Indicating”, now abandoned, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 07/767,792, filed on Sep. 30, 1991, entitled “Method of Measuring and Indicating”, now abandoned, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 07/528,229, filed on May 24, 1990, entitled “Measuring Device with Variable Color Display”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,768 issued on Oct. 15, 1991, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 07/337,410, filed on Apr. 13, 1989, entitled “Digital Voltmeter with Variable Color Background”, now abandoned, which is a division of my application Ser. No. 06/940,100, filed on Dec. 10, 1986, entitled “Digital Voltmeter with Variable Color Background”, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,326 issued on May 16, 1989, which is a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 06/882,430, filed on Jul. 7, 1986, entitled “Display Device with Variable Color Background”, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,619 issued on Mar. 29, 1988.

This also relates to my application Ser. No. 06/922,847, filed on Oct. 24, 1986, entitled “Continuously Variable Color Display Device”, now U. S. Pat. No. 4,845,481 issued on Jul. 4, 1989, to my application Ser. No. 07/322,341, filed on Mar. 13, 1989, entitled “Continuously Variable Color Optical Device”, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,561 issued on Oct. 23, 1990, and to my application Ser. No. 06/929,625, filed on Nov. 12, 1986, entitled “Variable Color Digital Display Device”, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,274 issued on Sep. 13, 1988.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to display devices with variable color background.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Commercially available display devices with monochromatic digital readout are capable of displaying data at a relatively fast rate. An operator, however, must evaluate each displayed value by reading it and by performing mental comparisons with predetermined limits. The task is much more complicated when the limits are variable.

A system for measuring radioactivity is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,643,344, issued on Jun. 23, 1953 to Ian H. McLaren et al. Another systems for measuring radioactivity are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,648,015 issued on Aug. 4, 1953 to Alexander Greenfield et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 2,682,000 issued on Jun. 22, 1954 to Joseph F. Clayton et al. Since these three patents are very similar, they are equally authoritative. The system for measuring radioactivity, disclosed in the three patents, includes an analog pointer indicator having three scales, with three associated colored light bulbs, for indicating which scale is applicable for the reading of the measured value. A mechanism for automatic range selection is provided, which is controlled by two solenoids, and which also controls the three associated colored light bulbs. In response to the range selection, one of the light bulbs illuminates the indicator face with a distinctive color to indicate which measurement scale is applicable. After each measurement, the operator must evaluate each measured value to determine its significance, mentally or otherwise.

A digital meter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,518, issued on Jun. 2, 1959 to Harold R. Hudson et al. The digital meter includes a motor, a wheel counter rotatable by the motor, a potentiometer rotatable by the motor, and a mechanical sampler (vibrator). An unknown voltage is compared, by the sampler, with an instant reference voltage that appears on the wiper of the potentiometer. The motor keeps rotating the potentiometer until the unknown voltage is equal to the reference voltage. The rotation of the motor is then automatically stopped, which also stops the wheel counter, whose position numerically indicates the value of the measured voltage. The decimal point monochromatic lamps are placed between the wheels of the counter. One of the decimal point lamps is illuminated, by manually operated range switch, to indicate by its position the selected measurement range.

The prior art does not contemplate a display device for automatically evaluating the displayed value. The prior art does not contemplate a display device for automatically indicating a significance of the displayed value, by color of the adjacent background area. The prior art does not contemplate a display device for automatically comparing the value of the displayed data with a limit, to determine their relation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide an improved display device.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved display device substantially surrounded by a variable color background area.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a display device for automatically evaluating the displayed value.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a display device for comparing the displayed value with a limit to determine their relationship.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a display device for comparing the displayed value with two limits, to automatically determine whether the displayed value lies within the limits or outside the limits.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a display device for visually indicating the significance of the displayed value.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a display device, on which the displayed value is exhibited, for controlling the color of its background area to indicate the result of the evaluation of the displayed value.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a method of controlling the color of the background area of the display device, to indicate whether the displayed value exhibited thereon lies within or without the limits.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a method of simultaneously indicating a displayed value, by a digital indication exhibited on a display device, and its relation to a predetermined limit, by color of a background area that surrounds the display device.

In summary, a method of the invention comprises the steps of receiving data for display, exhibiting a display indication of the data on a light emitting diode display area substantially surrounded by a variable color background area, comparing the value of the data with a limit, and controlling color of the background area in accordance with the result of the comparison. Typically, the background area is illuminated in a first color when the value of the data is less than the limit, and in a second color when the value of the data is greater than the limit.

A display device of the invention includes a light emitting diode display area substantially surrounded by a variable color background area. A device for receiving data for display and for exhibiting them on the display area is provided. A comparator compares the value of the data with a limit and accordingly develops a comparison signal which is used to control the color of the background area, to automatically indicate the significance of the displayed data.

In the prior art measuring and display devices, the measurement is performed after automatically or manually selecting the proper range. The selected range is indicated before the result is displayed either by the color of light shining on the face of an indicator or by the position of an illuminated decimal point lamp. The operator must evaluate each displayed value, mentally or otherwise, to determine its significance.

In stark contradistinction, in the method and apparatus of the present invention, each displayed value is evaluated by automatically comparing it with a limit or limits. The color of the background area is then controlled in accordance with the result of the comparison. As a consequence, the operator does not need to read those displayed values that are exhibited in a color consistent with an insignificant displayed value (typically within the limits), and can concentrate only on those displayed values that are exhibited in a color consistent with a significant displayed value (typically outside the limits).

Accordingly, the invention resides in automatically evaluating the displayed value after it was exhibited, in contradistinction to the prior art, where the measurement range is appraised before the measurement. The invention thus provides a new and unexpected result: the operator does not need to examine those displayed values that are indicated, by color, as being insignificant.

Further objects of the invention will become obvious from the accompanying drawings and their description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings in which are shown the preferred embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital voltmeter with a variable color display;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a variable color digital voltmeter with an analog comparator;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a variable color digital voltmeter with a digital comparator;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a digital voltmeter of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary detail of the display on which measured result is displayed in yellow color on green background;

FIG. 6 is a similar detail of the display on which measured result is displayed in yellow color on blue background;

FIG. 7 is a similar detail of the display on which measured result is displayed in yellow color on red background;

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of one element of a variable color display device;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line A—A in FIG. 6, revealing internal structure of a portion of a variable color display device;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an analog comparator for developing color control signals;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a digital comparator for developing color control signals;

FIG. 12 is a detail of 13-bit digital comparator in FIG. 11;

Throughout the drawings, like character indicate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now, more particularly, to the drawings, in FIG. 1 is shown a block diagram of a digital voltmeter utilizing a variable color display surrounded by a variable color background area. The digital voltmeter includes an A/D (analog to digital) converter 51, for converting an analog signal Vin applied to its input to digital data, and a display decoder 23 for causing the digital data to be displayed in a character format on a variable color display 11, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. As will be more specifically pointed out subsequently, the display 11 includes variable color display areas arranged in a pattern and integral variable color background area. The invention resides in the addition of a segment color control 21 for illuminating the display areas in a suitable color and a background color control 22 for illuminating the background area in a color related to the measured value. The digital voltmeter of this invention can thus simultaneously indicate the measured value, in a character format, and its significance, in a color of the display background. By way of an example, measured value that is considered to be normal may be indicated on green background, measured value that is slightly abnormal may be indicated on blue background, and measured value that is critical may be indicated on red background.

In FIG. 2 is shown a block diagram of a like digital voltmeter characterized by an analog comparator 81. The input of analog comparator 81 is coupled to the input of A/D converter 51 for comparing the input signal with predetermined limits and for developing comparison signals accordingly. The background color control 22 illuminates the background area of the display in accordance with the comparison signals.

In FIG. 3 is shown a block diagram of a like digital voltmeter characterized by a digital comparator 84. The input of digital comparator 84 is coupled to the output of A/D converter 51 for comparing the output digital data with predetermined limits and for developing comparison signals accordingly. The background color control 22 illuminates the background area of the display in accordance with the comparison signals.

In FIG. 4 is shown a schematic diagram of a digital voltmeter of this invention which includes a DVM (digital voltmeter) chip 53 for measuring input signal Vin applied, via a resistor 90 a and decoupling capacitor 93 a, to its HI (high) and LO (low) inputs, and for developing segment drive signals a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and DP (decimal point) for a 3½ digit variable color display 41 on which measured values of the input signal may be indicated in a character format. Resistor 90 b and capacitor 93 b, coupled to input OSCILLATORS, are provided for selecting a suitable frequency of internal oscillators. An auto zero capacitor 93 c tends to decrease noise. Integrating capacitor 93 d and buffer resistor 90 c provide desired voltage swing and linearity.

The first display element of the display 41 consists of a FIG. ‘1’ and a minus sign. The second, third, and fourth display elements consist of seven segments arranged in a well known 7-segment font on which selected characters may be exhibited in variable color. In the second element, the segments are designated as 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d, 31 e, 31 f, and 31 g. Each display element has three color control inputs R (red), G (green), and B (blue) designated DISPL. Each display element is surrounded by a variable color background area, as will be more clearly pointed out subsequently. The background area of each display element also has three color control inputs R, G, and B designated as BACK. It is obvious from the illustration that the color control inputs of the display elements and background areas are respectively interconnected to form DISPLAY BUSES R, G, and B, for controlling color of all display elements uniformly, and BACKGROUND BUSES R, G, and B, for controlling color of the entire background 32 area uniformly.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are examples of displayed measured values which consider exemplary low limit −1.5 and high limit 1.5 (in Volts or in any other suitable units). The invention resides in controlling the color of background area 32 to indicate whether the measured value lies within the bounds of the low and high limits, below the low limit, or above the high limit. FIG. 5 shows a display on which a measured value 1.234 is displayed on green background, to indicate that it lies within the bounds of the low and high limits. FIG. 6 shows a display on which a measured value −1.789 is displayed on blue background, to indicate that it lies below the low limit. FIG. 7 shows a display on which a measured value 1.956 is displayed on red background, to indicate that it lies above the high limit. To render the illustration less complex, all measured values are displayed in yellow color. It will be appreciated that the color of the display may be also varied, to enhance the presentation, as described in more detail in the above identified copending application.

It is readily apparent that the method of displaying measured values shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is extremely advantageous. Being completely surrounded by the background area 32, all display elements of the display 41 are distinctly associated therewith. It is perfectly clear that the color of the background area relates only to the values exhibited on the display elements within its boundaries, and not to values exhibited on display elements which may be located outside the boundaries.

Proceeding now to the detailed description, in FIG. 8 is shown a simplified schematic diagram of a one-character 7-segment variable color display element with variable color background. Each display segment of the display element includes a triad of closely adjacent LEDs: a red LED 1, green LED 2, and blue LED 3 which are adapted for producing a composite light signal of a variable color. To facilitate the illustration, the LEDs are designated by segment letters, e. g., red LED in the segment b is shown at 1 b, green LED in the segment d is shown at 2 d, and blue LED in the segment f is shown at 3 f. The background area is comprised of background regions adjacent the display segments. Each background region includes a triad of closely adjacent LEDs: a red LED 4, green LED 5, and blue LED 6 which are adapted for producing a composite light signal of a variable color. As much as possible, the LEDs in the background regions are designated by letters of adjacent display segments.

The cathodes of all red, green, and blue display LED triads are interconnected in each display segment and electrically connected to respective inputs a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and DP (decimal point) which may be coupled to the outputs of DVM chip 53 viewed in FIG. 4. The anodes of all display red LEDs 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f, 1 g, and 1 i are commonly coupled to an electric path referred to as a display red bus 12. The anodes of all display green LEDs 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, 2 e, 2 f, 2 g, and 2 i are commonly coupled to a like electric path referred to as a display green bus 13. The anodes of all display blue LEDs 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, 3 e, 3 f, 3 g, and 3 i are commonly coupled to a like electric path referred to as a display blue bus 14.

In a similar fashion, the anodes of all background red LEDs 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f, 4 g, and 4 h are commonly coupled to an electric path referred to as a background red bus 16. The anodes of all background green LEDs 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, 5 f, 5 g, and 5 h are commonly coupled to a like electric path referred to as a background green bus 17. The anodes of all background blue LEDs 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, 6 e, 6 f, 6 g, and 6 h are commonly coupled to a like electric path referred to as a background blue bus 18. The cathodes of all red, green, and blue LED triads in each background region are grounded.

The display red bus 12 is connected to the output of a non-inverting buffer 25 a capable of sourcing sufficient current to illuminate all display red LEDs. The display green bus 13 is connected to the output of a like buffer 25 b. The display blue bus 14 is connected to the output of a like buffer 25 c. The background red bus 16 is connected to the output of a like buffer 25 d. The background green bus 17 is connected to the output of a like buffer 25 e. The background blue bus 18 is connected to the output of a like buffer 25 f. It would be obvious to those skilled in the art that current limiting resistors may be connected in series with all LEDs in the circuit to constrain current flow.

The operation of the display element shown in FIG. 4 will be now explained on example of illuminating digit ‘1’ in yellow color. To exhibit decimal number ‘1’, low voltage levels are applied to the inputs b and c, to illuminate equally designated segments, and high voltage levels are applied to all remaining inputs, to extinguish all remaining segments.

To illuminate the display element in yellow color, the color control inputs R and G of the display buses are raised to a high logic level, while color control input B is maintained at a low logic level. As a result, the outputs of buffers 25 a and 25 b rise to a high-logic level. The current flows from the output of buffer 25 a, via display red bus 12 and red LED 1 b, to the input b, and, via red LED 1 c, to the input c. The current also flows from the output of buffer 25 b, via display green bus 13 and green LED 2 b, to the input b, and, via green LED 2 c, to the input c. As a result of blending light signals of red and green colors in the segments b and c, the segments illuminate in substantially yellow color, creating a visual impression of a character ‘1’.

To illuminate the background area in green color, the color control input G of the background buses is raised to a high logic level, while the remaining color control inputs R and B are low. As a result, the output of buffer 25 e rises to a high logic level. The current flows therefrom, via background green bus 17 and green LEDs 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, 5 f, 5 g, and 5 h in all background regions, to ground. The entire background area illuminates in green color.

To illuminate the background area in blue color, the color control input B of the background buses is raised to a high logic level, while the remaining color control inputs R and G are low. As a result, the output of buffer 25 f rises to a high logic level. The current flows therefrom, via background blue bus 18 and blue LEDs 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, 6 e, 6 f, 6 g, and 6 h in all background regions, to ground. The entire background area illuminates in blue color.

To illuminate the background area in red color, the color control input R of the background buses is raised to a high logic level, while the remaining color control inputs G and B are low. As a result, the output of buffer 25 d rises to a high logic level. The current flows therefrom, via background red bus 16 and red LEDs 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f, 4 g, and 4 h in all background regions, to ground. The entire background area illuminates in red color.

An important consideration has been given to physical arrangement of the LEDs in the display areas and background regions, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Display red LED 1 f, green LED 2 f, and blue LED 3 f are disposed on a support 10 in a display light blending cavity 8 f and completely surrounded by transparent light scattering material 34. When forwardly biased, the LEDs 1 f, 2 f, and 3 f emit light signals of red, green, and blue colors, respectively, which are blended by passing through light scattering material 34, acting to disperse the light signals, to form a composite light signal that emerges at the upper surface 35 f. The color of the composite light signal may be controlled by varying the portions of red, green, and blue light signals. Display red LED 1 b, green LED 2 b, and blue LED 3 b are similarly disposed in a display light blending cavity 8 b and may be similarly activated.

In a similar fashion, background red LED 4 g, green LED 5 g, and blue LED 6 g are disposed on the support 10 in a background light blending cavity 9 g and surrounded by transparent light scattering material 34. When forwardly biased, the LEDs 4 g, 5 g, and 6 g emit light signals of red, green, and blue colors, respectively, which are blended by passing through the light scattering material 34 to form a composite light signal of a composite color that emerges at the upper surface 36 g.

The display light blending cavities are optically separated from adjacent background light blending cavities by opaque walls. The display light blending cavity 8 f is defined by walls 7 a and 7 b. The walls have generally smooth inclined surfaces defining an obtuse angle with the support 10. The walls 7 b and 7 c similarly define a background light blending cavity 9 g therebetween. In a similar fashion, the display light blending cavity 8 b is defined by the walls 7 c and 7 d. The width of the top surfaces of the opaque walls is uniform and distinctly less than the width of the display areas or background regions so as to minimize the boundaries therebetween. The top surfaces of the opaque walls and top surfaces of the display areas and background regions are in the same plane to allow wide angle observation of the display device. Although the walls and light blending cavities are shown to be of certain shapes and dimensions, it is envisioned that they may be modified and rearranged.

In FIG. 10, the input signal Vin is applied to the interconnected inputs of two analog comparators 82 a, 82 b in a classic ‘window’ comparator configuration. When the input voltage is lower than the low voltage limit Vlo, set by a potentiometer 92 a, the output of comparator 82 a drops to a low logic level, thereby forcing the output of an inverter 65 a to rise to a high logic level to develop active color control signal B.

When the input voltage is higher than the high voltage limit Vhi, set by a potentiometer 92 b, the output of comparator 82 b drops to a low logic level, thereby forcing the output of an inverter 65 b to rise to a high logic level to develop active color control signal R.

When the input voltage is between the low voltage limit Vlo and high voltage limit Vhi, the outputs of comparators 82 a, 82 b rise to a high logic level (pull-up resistors 91 a, 91 b ensure correct high and low levels), thereby causing the output of AND gate 66 to rise to a high logic level to develop active color control signal G. The outputs B, G, and R may be respectively coupled to like inputs of the background buses in FIG. 4 to cause the background area 32 to illuminate in one of three colors in accordance with the range in which the measured voltage lies.

In FIG. 11 is shown a schematic diagram of a digital voltmeter with a comparator for developing color control signals. A DVM chip 54 measures input signal Vin applied via a resistor 90 f to its input IN and develops at its outputs A, B, C, D of Units, Tens, Hundreds, and Thousand digital data corresponding to the value of measured input signal. The input INIT CONV (initiate conversion) is tied to a high logic level for causing the DVM chip to measure continuously. The output digital data are simultaneously applied to the inputs A0 to A12 of a 13-bit digital comparator 85 a and to the inputs A0 to A12 of a like comparator 85 b. Two 8-bit latches 63 a, having its outputs Q0 to Q7 respectively coupled to the inputs B0 to B7 of comparator 85 a, and 63 b, having its outputs Q0 to Q4 respectively coupled to the inputs B8 to B12 of comparator 85 a, are provided for storing a digital representation of a low limit. Two like latches 63 c, having its outputs Q0 to Q7 respectively coupled to the inputs B0 to B7 of comparator 85 b, and 63 d, having its outputs Q0 to Q4 respectively coupled to the inputs B8 to B12 of comparator 85 b, are provided for storing a digital representation of a high limit. The comparator 85 a effects a comparison of the output digital data with the low limit and develops comparison signals accordingly. The comparator 85 b effects a comparison of the output digital data with the high limit and develops comparison signals accordingly. It would be obvious that data in the latches may be readily changed by applying new data to the inputs D0 to D7 and clocking same into the latches (not shown).

When the output digital data of DVM chip 54 are less than the low limit, the output ‘<’ of comparator 85 a rises to a high logic level to generate an active color control signal B. When the digital data are greater than the high limit, the output ‘>’ of comparator 85 b rises to a high logic level to generate an active color control signal R. When the digital data are within the bounds of the low and high limits, one of the outputs ‘=’ and ‘>’ of comparator 85 a, which are gated by an OR gate 60 a, and one of the outputs ‘<’ and ‘=’ of comparator 85 b, which are gated by an OR gate 60 b, rise to a high logic level to force both inputs of an AND gate 66 b to rise to a high logic level. As a consequence, the output of OR gate 66 b rises to a high logic level to generate active color control signal G. The comparison outputs B, G, and R may be respectively coupled to like inputs of the background buses in FIG. 4 for causing the background area 32 of the display 41 to illuminate either in blue color when the measured value is less than the low limit, in red color when the measured value is greater than the high limit, or in green color when the measured value is within the bounds of the low and high limits. It would be obvious that the color sequences could be readily changed by differently interconnecting the comparison outputs with the background color control inputs.

FIG. 12 is a detail of one of 13-bit digital comparators 85 a, 85 b in FIG. 11. It will be appreciated that both digital comparators 85 a, 85 b may be substantially same. The comparison inputs ‘<’, ‘=’, and ‘>’ of four 4-bit digital comparators 86 a, 86 b, 86 c, and 86 d are respectively coupled to like preceding outputs, in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art, to extend the comparison range to 13 bits.

The invention may be now briefly summarized. A method for evaluating a displayed value was disclosed that comprises the step of exhibiting a character indication of the displayable data on a light emitting diode display device substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area, capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; the step of comparing the value of the displayed data with a limit and developing a color control signal in accordance with the relation of the value of the displayed data to the limit; and the step of applying the color control signal for controlling color of said background area.

A display device for evaluating a displayed value was described that comprises a light emitting diode display device for exhibiting a character indication of the displayable data. The display device has a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with the display surface. The background area is capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal. A device for comparing the value of the displayed data with a limit is provided which develops a color control signal in accordance with the relation of the value of the displayed data to the limit. The color control signal is applied for controlling color of said background area.

The term “variable color background area” should be interpreted broadly as any background area integral with, adjacent to, or associated with, the display device and capable of being illuminated in a selective color.

It would be obvious that persons skilled in the art may resort to modifications in the construction of the preferred embodiments shown herein, without departing from the scope, as defined in the appended claims, and the spirit of the invention. It is contemplated that the principles of the invention may be also applied to numerous diverse types of display devices, such as liquid crystal devices, plasma devices, luminescent devices, cathode ray tube devices, and the like. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display area including a plurality of display elements, each said display element including a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a pattern for selectively exhibiting a plurality of display units; a plurality of variable color background areas, each said background area being adjacent to one of said display elements; each said background area including a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting, when forwardly biased, light signals of respective colors; each said background area including a plurality of background buses to which said light emitting diodes in said background area are commonly coupled in accordance with their colors, for being forwardly biased upon selective activation of said background buses, each said background bus including a plurality of background color control inputs; and means for respectively coupling said background color control inputs of all said background buses.
 2. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a limit; developing a color control signal in accordance with the relation of the value of said data to said limit; and applying said color control signal for controlling color of said background area.
 3. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a limit and developing a comparison signal accordingly; and applying a color control signal, in accordance with said comparison signal, for controlling color of said background area.
 4. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a limit; developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is equal to said limit; developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is not equal to said limit; applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, for illuminating said background area in a first color; and applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, for illuminating said background area in a second color.
 5. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a first limit and with a second limit, the value of said first limit being less than the value of said second limit; developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is either less than said first limit or greater than said second limit; developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is simultaneously greater than said first limit and less than said second limit; applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a first color; and applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a second color.
 6. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a first limit and with a second limit, the value of said first limit being less than the value of said second limit; developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is less than said first limit; developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is simultaneously greater than said first limit and less than said second limit; developing a third color control signal when the value of said data is greater than said second limit; applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a first color; applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a second color; and applying said third color control signal, when said third color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a third color.
 7. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a low limit and a with high limit, and developing a color control signal accordingly; applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a first color when the value of said data lies within the bounds of said low limit and said high limit; and applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a second color when the value of said data lies outside the bounds of said low limit and said high limit.
 8. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; comparing the value of said data with a low limit and a with high limit, and developing a color control signal accordingly; applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a first color when the value of said data is less than said low limit; applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a second color when the value of said data lies within the bounds of said low limit and said high limit; and applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a third color when the value of said data is greater than said high limit.
 9. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including a color control input for illuminating it in a selective color; comparing the value of said data with a limit and developing a comparison output indicative of their relation; and coupling said comparison output to said color control input.
 10. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including two color control inputs for illuminating it in one of two colors; comparing the value of said data with a low limit and with a high limit and developing two comparison outputs indicative of their relation; and coupling said two comparison outputs to said two color control inputs, respectively.
 11. A method for evaluating a displayed value comprising: receiving data for display; exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including three color control inputs for illuminating it in one of three colors; comparing the value of said data with a low limit and with a high limit and developing three comparison outputs indicative of their relation; and coupling said three comparison outputs to said three color control inputs, respectively.
 12. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; a light emitting diode display device for exhibiting a character indication of said data, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a limit; means for developing a color control signal in accordance with the relation of the value of said data to said limit; and means for applying said color control signal for controlling color of said background area.
 13. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a limit and for developing a comparison signal accordingly; and means for applying a color control signal, in accordance with said comparison signal, for controlling color of said background area.
 14. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a limit; means for developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is equal to said limit; means for developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is not equal to said limit; means for applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, for illuminating said background area in a first color; and means for applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, for illuminating said background area in a second color.
 15. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a first limit and with a second limit, the value of said first limit being less than the value of said second limit; means for developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is either less than said first limit or greater than said second limit; means for developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is simultaneously greater than said first limit and less than said second limit; means for applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a first color; and means for applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a second color.
 16. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a first limit and with a second limit, the value of said first limit being less than the value of said second limit; means for developing a first color control signal when the value of said data is less than said first limit; means for developing a second color control signal when the value of said data is simultaneously greater than said first limit and less than said second limit; means for developing a third color control signal when the value of said data is greater than said second limit; means for applying said first color control signal, when said first color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a first color; means for applying said second color control signal, when said second color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a second color; and means for applying said third color control signal, when said third color control signal is developed, to said background area for illuminating it in a third color.
 17. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a low limit and a with high limit, and for developing a color control signal accordingly; means for applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a first color when the value of said data lies within the bounds of said low limit and said high limit; and means for applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a second color when the value of said data lies outside the bounds of said low limit and said high limit.
 18. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area being capable of illuminating in a selective color in response to a color control signal; means for comparing the value of said data with a low limit and a with high limit, and for developing a color control signal accordingly; means for applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a first color when the value of said data is less than said low limit; means for applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a second color when the value of said data lies within the bounds of said low limit and said high limit; and means for applying said color control signal to said background area for illuminating it in a third color when the value of said data is greater than said high limit.
 19. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including a color control input for illuminating it in a selective color; means for comparing the value of said data with a limit and for developing a comparison output indicative of their relation; and means for coupling said comparison output to said color control input.
 20. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including two color control inputs for illuminating it in one of two colors; means for comparing the value of said data with a low limit and with a high limit and for developing two comparison outputs indicative of their relation; and means for coupling said two comparison outputs to said two color control inputs, respectively.
 21. A display device for evaluating a displayed value comprising: means for receiving data for display; means for exhibiting a character indication of said data on a light emitting diode display device, said display device having a relatively flat display surface substantially surrounded by a variable color light emitting diode background area aligned with said display surface, said background area including three color control inputs for illuminating it in one of three colors; means for comparing the value of said data with a low limit and with a high limit and for developing three comparison outputs indicative of their relation; and means for coupling said three comparison outputs to said three color control inputs, respectively. 